U.S. patent application number 12/027784 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for powering implantable restriction systems using light.
This patent application is currently assigned to ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, Michael J. Stokes.
Application Number | 20090204178 12/027784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40512174 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090204178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dlugos, JR.; Daniel F. ; et
al. |
August 13, 2009 |
POWERING IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEMS USING LIGHT
Abstract
Various powering devices are provided for transferring and/or
generating energy from numerous sources to a communicating member
implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to or generated by
the communicating member can be used to provide power to an
implantable restriction system configured to form a restriction in
a pathway.
Inventors: |
Dlugos, JR.; Daniel F.;
(Middletown, OH) ; Ortiz; Mark S.; (Milford,
OH) ; Plescia; David N.; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Stokes; Michael J.; (Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ethicon Endo-Surgery/Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP
World Trade Center West, 155 Seaport Blvd.
Boston
MA
02210-2604
US
|
Assignee: |
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
40512174 |
Appl. No.: |
12/027784 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/61 ;
606/191 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0059
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/61 ;
606/191 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/378 20060101
A61N001/378; A61M 29/00 20060101 A61M029/00 |
Claims
1. A system for forming a restriction in a patient, comprising: an
implantable restriction device adapted to form a restriction in a
patient, the implantable restriction device including a
communicating member adapted to receive light waves and to convert
the light waves into energy that powers the implantable restriction
device.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an external energy
transfer apparatus having a light source operable to communicate
the light waves to the communicating member.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the external energy transfer
apparatus includes a gauge effective to indicate whether the light
waves are being communicated between the light source and the
communicating member effective to power the implantable restriction
device.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the communicating member
comprises a photovoltaic cell array or silicon nanowire bundle.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the communicating member comprises
a crystalline silicone cell array.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the light source emits light
selected from the group consisting of infrared light waves in a
range of about 0.75 .mu.m to 1,000 .mu.m, visible light waves in a
range of about 400 nm to 750 nm, and ultraviolet light waves in a
range of about 280 nm to 400 nm.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the implantable restriction
device comprises a gastric band and a housing in communication with
the gastric band.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the communicating member is
disposed in the housing.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the communicating member is
configured to receive and transmit data.
10. A method for providing power to an implantable restriction
device, comprising: activating a light source to transfer light
through tissue to a communicating member disposed within an
implantable restriction device implanted in a patient to form a
restriction in a pathway, the communicating member converting the
light to electrical power or energy to power the implantable
restriction device.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the light source is on an
external device, and the method further comprises positioning the
external device adjacent to a skin surface and in proximity to the
communicating member implanted within tissue.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the communicating member
comprises a photovoltaic cell array or silicon nanowire bundle.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein the communicating member
comprises a crystalline silicone cell array.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the external device receives
data from the communicating member, the data including at least one
measurement of pressure of fluid within the implantable restriction
device.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the external device includes a
gauge that indicates whether the light being transferred between
the light source and the communicating member is effective to power
the implantable restriction device.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the light source emits light
selected from the group consisting of infrared light with a
wavelength in a range of about 0.70 .mu.m to 1,000 .mu.m, visible
light with a wavelength in a range of about 400 nm to 750 nm, and
ultraviolet light with a wavelength in the range of about 280 nm to
400 nm.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the implantable restriction
device comprises a gastric band disposed around a stomach to form a
restriction, and a housing in communication with the gastric band.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for
providing power to implantable restriction systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Obesity is becoming a growing concern, particularly in the
United States, as the number of obese people continues to increase,
and more is learned about the negative health effects of obesity.
Morbid obesity, in which a person is 100 pounds or more over ideal
body weight, in particular poses significant risks for severe
health problems. Accordingly, a great deal of attention is being
focused on treating obese patients. One method of treating morbid
obesity has been to place a restriction device, such as an
elongated band, about the upper portion of the stomach. Gastric
bands have typically comprised a fluid-filled elastomeric balloon
with fixed endpoints that encircles the stomach just inferior to
the esophageal-gastric junction to form a small gastric pouch above
the band and a reduced stoma opening in the stomach. When fluid is
infused into the balloon, the band expands against the stomach
creating a food intake restriction or stoma in the stomach. To
decrease this restriction, fluid is removed from the band. The
effect of the band is to reduce the available stomach volume and
thus the amount of food that can be consumed before becoming
"full."
[0003] Food restriction devices have also comprised mechanically
adjusted bands that similarly encircle the upper portion of the
stomach. These bands include any number of resilient materials or
gearing devices, as well as drive members, for adjusting the bands.
Additionally, gastric bands have been developed that include both
hydraulic and mechanical drive elements. It is also known to
restrict the available food volume in the stomach cavity by
implanting an inflatable elastomeric balloon within the stomach
cavity itself. The balloon is filled with a fluid to expand against
the stomach walls and, thereby, decrease the available food volume
within the stomach.
[0004] With each of the above-described food restriction devices,
safe, effective treatment requires that the device be regularly
monitored and adjusted to vary the degree of restriction applied to
the stomach. Traditionally, adjusting a gastric band required a
scheduled clinician visit during which a Huber needle and syringe
were used to penetrate the patient's skin and add or remove fluid
from the balloon via the injection port. More recently, implantable
pumps have been developed which enable non-invasive adjustments of
the band. An external programmer communicates with the implanted
pump using telemetry to control the pump. During a scheduled visit,
a physician places a hand-held portion of the programmer near the
gastric implant and transmits command signals to the implant. The
implant in turn adjusts the band and transmits a response command
to the programmer.
[0005] Implants such as those described above include electronics
which require a power source that is sufficient for the intended
function, such as making adjustments to the gastric band. Such
devices may be internally powered by a battery or capacitor while
others may be powered by an externally coupled power source or
passive telemetry system. When coupling externally, the
efficiencies between the implant and external device diminish
substantially as the distance between them increases. There can
also be significant power losses through tissue.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for methods and devices for
charging implanted electronics efficiently through tissue by using
external and/or non-invasive techniques. It would also be
advantageous for a patient to be able to recharge implants without
having to travel to a scheduled clinician visit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides methods and devices for
providing power to an implantable restriction system. In one
exemplary embodiment, a system for forming a restriction in a
patient is provided and includes an implantable restriction device
adapted to form a restriction in a pathway within a patient. For
example, the implantable restriction device can include a gastric
band and a housing in communication with the gastric band. The
implantable restriction device can also include a communicating
member that powers the implantable restriction device. The system
can further include an external apparatus that is operable to
communicate with the communicating member by sending power and/or
data signals to the communicating member and/or by receiving data
signals from the communicating member. The communicating member can
also be configured to send data signals to an external device. The
external apparatus can optionally include a gauge that is effective
to indicate whether the external apparatus is effectively
communicating with the communicating member.
[0008] In one embodiment, the communicating member can be adapted
to convert light waves into energy, and the external apparatus can
be an energy transfer apparatus having a light source that is
operable to communicate light to the communicating member. The
energy transfer apparatus can include a gauge effective to indicate
whether the light waves are being communicated between the light
source and the communicating member effective to power the
implantable restriction device or communicate data. In an
embodiment, the communicating member can be a photovoltaic cell
array, a silicon nanowire bundle, or a crystalline silicone cell
array, and the light source can emit infrared light waves in a
range of about 0.70 .mu.m to 1,000 .mu.m. Alternatively, the light
source can emit visible light waves in a range of about 400 nm to
1,000 nm or ultraviolet light waves in a range of about 280 nm to
400 nm.
[0009] In another embodiment, the communicating member can be
adapted to utilize a temperature differential to power the
implantable restriction device, the energy transfer apparatus can
have a temperature source operable to create a temperature
differential across the communicating member to power the
implantable restriction device. In an exemplary embodiment, the
communicating member is a thermogenerator. The temperature source
can be, for example, ice, a thermoelectric cooler, a heating
source, and a blood vessel. The communicating member can be
configured to utilize a temperature differential between the
temperature source and an anatomical reference temperature to
produce energy to power the implantable restriction device. In
another embodiment, the gauge can be effective to indicate whether
a temperature differential exists between the temperature source
and the communicating member effective to power the implantable
restriction device.
[0010] In another embodiment, the communicating member can have a
kinetic motion apparatus operable to convert motion into energy to
power the implantable restriction device. The kinetic motion
apparatus can include a housing, a magnet disposed within the
housing, and a wire coil disposed around the housing. The wire coil
can be in electrical communication with the implantable restriction
device and the magnet can be configured to move relative to the
wire coil to create electrical energy to power the implantable
restriction device. The kinetic motion apparatus can further
include a storage device for storing the electrical energy produced
from movement of the magnet. The system may also include an
external device that may include a driver adapted to produce
corresponding oscillations, vibrations, or other motions in the
kinetic motion apparatus effective to power the implantable
restriction device. Alternatively, an external oscillating
electromagnet can induce sympathetic oscillations in the magnet
disposed within the housing. In another embodiment, the gauge can
be adapted to indicate a charge status of the implantable
restriction device.
[0011] In a further exemplary embodiment, a kinetic motion
apparatus can include a counterweight coupled to a drive gear and
configured to rotate freely about a pivot point when the kinetic
motion apparatus is rotated in response to patient movement. The
kinetic motion apparatus can also include an electric generator
configured to receive mechanical energy from the drive gear and
convert it to electrical energy to power the implantable
restriction device.
[0012] In one embodiment, a kinetic motion apparatus can include a
piezoelectric device configured to convert internal muscle and/or
organ movement within a patient into electrical energy to power the
implantable restriction device. The piezoelectric device can also
be configured to convert digestive movement of a patient's stomach
against the gastric band into electrical energy to power the
implantable restriction device.
[0013] Methods are also provided for powering an implantable
restriction device. In one embodiment, the method can include
activating a light source to transfer light through tissue to a
communicating member disposed within an implantable restriction
device. The communicating member can convert the light to
electrical current to power the implantable restriction device. The
light source can be on an external device, and the method can
further include positioning the external device adjacent to a skin
surface and in proximity to the communicating member implanted
within tissue. The external device can also optionally include a
gauge that indicates whether light transferred between the light
source and the communicating member is effective to power the
implantable restriction device. Additionally, the external device
can receive data from the communicating member which includes at
least one measurement of pressure of fluid within the implantable
restriction device. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source
emits infrared light with a wavelength in a range of about 0.70
.mu.m to 1,000 .mu.m. Alternatively, the light source emits visible
light with a wavelength in a range of about 400 nm to 750 nm or
ultraviolet light with a wavelength in the range of about 280 nm to
400 nm.
[0014] In another embodiment, a method is provided for powering an
implantable restriction device and includes placing a temperature
source on a tissue surface adjacent to a communicating member
disposed within an implantable restriction device implanted in a
patient. The communicating member utilizes a temperature
differential to power the implantable restriction device. The
communicating member may be placed close to the skin such that it
resides in a temperature gradient between the external environment
and the body core. Alternatively, the thermogenerator can be placed
in contact with a large blood vessel since the body uses the blood
stream to convey heat to and from the body. Thus, a natural
temperature gradient exists in the body with may be used to
generate power. The temperature source can be on an external
device, and the external device can receive data from the
communicating member. The external device can also include a gauge
that indicates whether a temperature differential exists between
the temperature source and the communicating member effective to
power the implantable restriction device. The data can include at
least one measurement of pressure of fluid within the implantable
restriction device. In one embodiment, the temperature source can
be ice, a thermoelectric cooler, and/or a heating source placed on
or near a tissue surface adjacent to the thermogenerator creating a
temperature differential with an anatomical reference temperature
across the thermogenerator to produce electrical current to power
the implantable restriction device.
[0015] In still another embodiment, a method for providing power to
an implantable restriction device is provided and includes driving
a communicating member coupled to an implantable restriction device
implanted in a patient to power the implantable restriction device,
where the communicating member includes a kinetic motion apparatus.
The kinetic motion apparatus can include a metal wire and a magnet
and the metal wire and a magnetic field created by the magnet move
relative to one another, thereby generating electrical energy to
power the implantable restriction device. In an exemplary
embodiment, the metal wire and the magnetic field move relative to
one another in response to motion by the patient. The kinetic
motion apparatus can also be driven by an external oscillating
electromagnet that induces sympathetic oscillations in the magnet.
Alternatively, the kinetic motion apparatus is driven by a
vibration element that causes the metal wire to move through the
magnetic field. In another embodiment, the communicating member can
be in communication with an external device that receives data from
the communicating member and which can include a gauge that
indicates a charge status of the implantable restriction device.
The kinetic motion apparatus can alternatively include a
counterweight coupled to a drive gear that rotates freely about a
pivot point in response to patient movement. Rotation of the
counterweight and drive gear can generate mechanical energy that is
converted into electrical energy to power the implantable
restriction device. In one exemplary embodiment, the kinetic motion
apparatus includes a piezoelectric device that converts internal
muscle and/or organ movement within a patient into energy to power
the implantable restriction device. The piezoelectric device can
also convert digestive motion of the stomach against the gastric
band into electrical energy to power the implantable restriction
device. The method can include storing excess energy generated by
the kinetic motion apparatus in a storage device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a representation of a food intake restriction
system implanted in a patient to form a restriction in the
patient's stomach;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a representation of a light powering device for
powering the food intake restriction system of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is representation of a thermoelectric powering device
for powering the food intake restriction system of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a representation of one embodiment of a kinetic
motion powering device for powering the food intake restriction
system of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a representation of another embodiment of a
kinetic motion powering device for powering the food intake
restriction system of FIG. 1; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a representation of still another embodiment of a
kinetic motion powering device for powering the food intake
restriction system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to
provide an overall understanding of the principles of the
structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and
methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods
specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope
of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The
features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary
embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.
Such modifications and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention.
[0024] Various powering devices are provided for transferring
energy from an external source through tissue to a communicating
member implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to the
communicating member can be used to provide power to an implantable
restriction device that is implanted to form a restriction in a
pathway within a patient. While the present invention disclosed
herein can be used with a variety of implantable restriction
devices known in the art, FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary
embodiment of a food intake restriction system 10. As shown, the
system 10 generally includes an adjustable gastric band 20 that is
configured to be positioned around the upper portion of a patient's
stomach 40. In addition, the system 10 can include a communicating
member capable of providing power to various devices configured to
perform any number of tasks within the system 10, as will be
described below.
[0025] The communicating member can be located anywhere in the
system 10. For example, in one embodiment, the communicating member
can be disposed within an injection port 30 shown in FIG. 1. The
injection port 30 can be in fluid communication with the gastric
band for allowing fluid to be introduced into and removed from the
band to alter the amount of restriction provided by the band.
Alternatively, or in addition, the communicating member can be
disposed within a housing 60 that can house various components. In
the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes both an
injection port 30 and a housing 60. Both the injection port 30 and
the housing 60 are coupled to the adjustable gastric band 20, e.g.,
via a catheter 50. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that
the system need not include an injection port and/or housing, and
that the communicating member can be positioned anywhere along the
system 10.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the communicating member can
convert energy received from an external source to provide power to
devices within the system 10 that measure and/or monitor various
conditions of the system 10, that make adjustments to the gastric
band 20 and/or other aspects of the system 10, and/or that
measure/monitor various physiological parameters. Such devices can
include, for example, sensors, pumps, bands and/or any other
monitoring and/or adjustment devices having circuitry which
requires electrical power. The communicating member can be
configured to repeatedly receive energy from an external source,
convert the energy to electrical power, and store the power in a
capacitor, battery or other power storage device known in the art
for later use by the device(s) within the system 10. Alternatively,
the communicating member can be configured to transfer the
converted power directly to the device(s) as needed. In addition,
the communicating member can be configured to transmit and receive
data to and from an external source. For example, the communicating
member can receive command signals from an external source related
to powering the system 10. The communicating member can also
transmit various anatomical measurements taken within a patient's
body to an external device or reader, as well as to transmit
information regarding the charge status of the system 10.
[0027] The communicating member can take any form known in the art,
and various embodiments of the communicating member are provided in
detail below. In certain exemplary embodiments, the communicating
member can take the form of a sensor capable of receiving energy
from an external source for measuring and monitoring various
parameters of the system 10; an antenna such as a dipole antenna, a
monopole antenna with appropriate counterpoise, or an inductive
coil capable of receiving energy through tissue; and/or any other
devices known in the art which are capable of aiding in the
powering, measuring, monitoring, and/or adjusting of the system 10
and/or other physiological parameters associated with the system
10.
[0028] In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
communicating member is in the form of a photovoltaic cell array or
solar cell 210 adapted to receive light waves 216 from an external
apparatus 200. The external energy apparatus 200 can include a
light source that generates the light waves 216. The light source
can be configured in many ways known in the art, but in the
illustrated embodiment, it is in the form of a hand-held external
device 220 that is electrically connected to a power source 230,
such as an electrical outlet or a battery, via an electric cable
240. The external device 220 can also include a switch 250 that
enables a user to turn the external device 220 on or off as needed.
When the external device 220 is in the "on" position, it can be
configured to generate light waves 216 in the infrared range of
about 0.70 .mu.m to 1,000 .mu.m. Alternatively or in addition, the
external device 220 can be configured to generate light waves 216
in the visible range of about 400 nm to 750 nm or light waves 216
in the ultraviolet range of about 250 nm to 400 nm. Although not
shown in FIG. 2, the external device 220 can also include a gauge
effective to indicate whether light waves 216 are being
communicated between the external device 220 and the solar cell 210
that are effective to power and/or charge the implantable
restriction device. The indication given by the gauge can take the
form of any notification means known in the art, including a light,
such as an LED, an audible noise, and/or a vibration.
Alternatively, a silicon nanowire can convert light energy into
electric energy on the scale to power low power sensor devices.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, in use the solar cell 210 can be
implanted beneath a tissue surface, e.g., in a patient's abdomen or
fascia layer. A user can position the external device 220 in
proximity to the implanted solar cell 210 and direct the light
waves 216 towards a surface of the solar cell 210 implanted near a
surface of a patient's skin. The solar cell 210 can receive and
absorb the light waves 216, convert the light waves 216 into
electrical power using methods well known in the art, and store
them in a device, for example, a capacitor or battery, for later
use by the implantable restriction device. Alternatively, the solar
cell 210 can immediately transfer the energy via a cable 260 and/or
via a wireless transfer to power other devices within the
implantable restriction device for monitoring and/or adjusting the
gastric band or performing other tasks as described above.
[0030] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the communicating
member can be in the form of a thermoelectric generator 306, such
as a Peltier device, configured to use a temperature differential
to generate electricity. The external device can include a
thermoelectric powering device 300 adapted to power an implantable
restriction device implanted within a patient. In an exemplary
embodiment, the generator 306 can be implanted under a patient's
skin and a temperature differential can be created across the
generator 306 by providing an external temperature source which is
different than body temperature. As shown, the generator 306
includes a first side 302, which faces outward from the patient's
body and is positioned just under the skin. The generator 306 also
includes a second side 304 which faces towards an interior of the
patient's body. The generator 306 includes electrical leads 312
which can be connected to a storage device, such as a capacitor or
battery, or directly to the devices within the implantable
restriction device. A means for monitoring the charge level of the
storage device may also be included.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric powering device
includes a temperature source 310. A person skilled in the art will
appreciate that the temperature source 310 can be any device or
element which is capable of producing a temperature that is
different than the temperature associated with the second side 304
of the generator 306. For example, if the temperature of the second
side 304 of the generator 306 is at an anatomical reference
temperature such as a human body temperature, then the temperature
source 310 can be a piece of ice which is at a temperature cooler
than the anatomical reference temperature. Alternatively, the first
side 302 of the generator 306 can be placed in contact with a large
blood vessel within the body, since the body uses the blood stream
to convey heat to and from the body. A natural temperature gradient
exists in the body between the blood vessel and the body, and
therefore between the first side 302 and the second side 304, which
can be used to generate power.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, in use, when a patient or
physician places the temperature source 310, e.g. ice, against a
tissue surface 316, in proximity to the first side 302 of the
implanted generator 306, a temperature differential is created
across the generator 306, thereby causing it to generate
electricity. A patient and/or physician can place the temperature
source 310 against an area of the patient's skin that covers the
first side 302 of the implanted generator 306. The temperature
source 310 will change the temperature of the first side 302 of the
generator so that there is a difference in temperature between the
first side 302 and the second side 304 effective to generate
electricity. In another example, the temperature source 310 can be
a second Peltier device used as a thermoelectric cooler so that one
side of the device is much cooler than the temperature of the
second side 304 of the implanted generator 306. The thermoelectric
cooler can then be placed adjacent to the tissue surface 316 in
proximity to the first side 302 of the implanted generator 306,
thereby creating a temperature differential across the generator
306 to produce electricity. Alternatively, the temperature source
310 can be eddy-current heating of a conductive component connected
to or within the implantable restrictive device. The eddy current
may be generated by an inductive coupled external alternating power
source. Heating may be controlled for example by the mass of the
conductive component, the size and shape of the component, magnetic
permeability of the conductive component, resistivity of the
conductive component, external power coupling frequency or the
external power output level, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the
heat source could be a heating pad placed on or near the tissue
surface. The electricity which is generated can then be used by
devices within the implantable restriction device as needed.
[0033] The temperature source 310 can alternatively be connected to
or disposed within an external device 320. The external device 320
can include a gauge that indicates whether a temperature
differential exists between the temperature source 310 and the
generator 306 that is effective to charge and/or power the
implantable restriction device. The indication given by the gauge
can take the form of any notification means known in the art,
including a light, such as an LED, an audible noise, and/or a
vibration. If the temperature source 310 is ice or another
temperature element which doesn't require electrical power, an
external device 320 may not be required for the purpose of
providing power. If the temperature source 310 is a thermoelectric
cooler or other electrically powered temperature source as
illustrated in FIG. 3, then the external device 320 can provide
power to the temperature source 310 via electrical leads 326. The
external source 320 can contain batteries or other power source, or
can be connected to a wall power source via cable 330.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a communicating member in
the form of a kinetic motion apparatus 400 adapted to provide power
to the implantable restriction device. In one exemplary embodiment,
as shown, the kinetic motion apparatus 400 includes a housing
having a magnet 402 disposed therein. The housing can be of any
shape and made of any material known in the art, but in the
illustrated embodiment, the housing is in the form of a glass tube
or cylinder 404 having a metal or copper wire 410 wrapped tightly
in a coil around an exterior surface of the cylinder 404. In this
configuration, the kinetic motion apparatus 400 can generate
electricity in the copper wire 406 by movement of the magnet 402
contained within the cylinder 404. Movement of the magnet 402
within the cylinder 404 will effectively cause the copper wire 410
to be moved through a magnetic field, thereby causing electricity
to be generated, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art. Electrical leads 408 coupled to the copper wire 410 are
provided to carry the electricity generated by the kinetic motion
apparatus 406 to a storage device or directly to devices within the
implantable restriction device as needed. A means for monitoring
the charge level of the storage device may also be included.
[0035] While many configurations are possible, in one exemplary
embodiment, the kinetic motion apparatus 400 can be implanted
within a patient's body such that physical movement of the body is
effective to move the magnet 402 within the cylinder 404. For
example, a patient can perform any movement, such as walking,
running, jumping, shaking, etc., and this will cause the magnet 402
to move laterally, rotationally, or any combination thereof, within
the cylinder 404 to generate electricity within the copper wire
406. In another example, the kinetic motion apparatus 400 may be
implanted within a patient's body such that more subtle, but
predictable physical movements within the body are effective in
moving the magnet 402 within the cylinder 404. Examples of internal
movements within the patient that may be harnessed include, but are
not limited to, motions related to respiration (e.g., motions of
the diaphragm), digestion (e.g., peristaltic waves through any
portion of the gastrointestinal tract), and/or oscillatory motions
within the circulatory system (e.g., pulsatile flow in the arterial
system, motion of the heart, etc.).
[0036] Alternatively, or in addition, the kinetic motion apparatus
400 can include an external driver. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
4, the external driver is composed of the same elements as the
kinetic motion apparatus 400, namely, a housing 414, a magnet 412,
and a copper wire 416 to form an external electromagnet 420. The
external electromagnet 420 can be manually driven by supplying the
copper wire 416 with electricity to cause the magnet 412 to
oscillate. As the magnet 412 oscillates, sympathetic oscillations
are induced in the magnet 402 disposed within the kinetic motion
apparatus 400, thereby causing electricity to be generated to
supply power to the implantable restriction device. A person
skilled in the art will appreciate that any driver or vibration
element, internal or external, which is effective to produce
oscillations, vibrations, or other motions in the magnet 402 within
the kinetic motion apparatus 400, can be used to generate power.
One additional alternative may include the conversion of
oscillatory gradients in pressure created by natural and regularly
occurring events such as respiration into fluid flows that induce
oscillatory translational and/or rotational motions of the magnet
402. Moreover, the kinetic motion apparatus 400 can have a variety
of other configurations in which energy is generated from motion or
pressure gradients caused by these motions.
[0037] Although not shown in FIG. 4, an external device can also be
provided to be in communication with the external driver and it can
provide power to the external driver taken from a battery or other
power source. The external driver can also include a gauge that
indicates a charge status of the communicating member and/or
whether there is proper alignment between an external driver and
the kinetic motion apparatus 400. For example, the gauge can
indicate whether circuitry and/or devices within the implantable
restriction device need to be charged by the kinetic motion
apparatus 400, or whether they are fully charged. Alternatively or
in addition, the gauge can indicate proper alignment of an external
driver that is attempting to generate sympathetic oscillations
within the kinetic motion apparatus 400. The indication given by
the gauge can take the form of any notification means known in the
art, including a light, such as an LED, an audible noise, and/or a
vibration.
[0038] In another exemplary embodiment, a kinetic motion apparatus
is provided that is operable to convert motion into energy to power
the implantable restriction device. In one embodiment shown in FIG.
5, a kinetic motion apparatus 500 is provided and can include a
counterweight 502 coupled to a shaft 504 such that the
counterweight 502 can freely pivot about the shaft 504 in response
to motion and movement of the patient. The counterweight 502 and
the shaft 504 can be formed from any biocompatible material known
in the art, including stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, and
any number of polymer plastics. A drive gear 506 can be nested
within a hollow portion of the counterweight 502, and in one
embodiment, it can be directly coupled to the counterweight 502
such the drive gear 506 moves in response to movement of the
counterweight 502. The drive gear 506 can also be coupled to a
drive train of an electric generator 510. As the drive gear 506
moves in response to the counterweight 502, it rotates a pinion
gear 508 which in turn rotates the rotor 514 to a high velocity.
This rotation then induces electric current through the stator 516
thereby charging the capacitor 512. The electric generator 510 thus
converts mechanical energy from movement of the counterweight 503
into electrical energy.
[0039] The electrical energy produced by the generator 510 can be
used to directly power the implantable restriction device or it can
be stored within an accumulation element 512 for later use. In an
exemplary embodiment, the accumulation element 512 can be a
capacitor that contains lithium ion which provides an efficient
conducting surface that may store energy longer than those
capacitors typically made from other substrates. In another
embodiment, the accumulation element 512 can be a high density
ultracapacitor. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that
any combination of gearing can be used to couple a patient's
movement to the generator and any type of accumulation element 512
can be used to store charge.
[0040] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a kinetic motion
apparatus 600 is provided such that motion of a stomach 602 pushing
against fluid in the gastric band 604 is converted into energy to
supply power to a rechargeable battery or an accumulation element
606 that stores charge. As food passes through the band 604,
pressure will increase and decrease in the gastric band 604. This
vibration energy can be harvested by a variety of different methods
known in the art such as electromagnetic, electrostatic, or
piezoelectric conversion. In piezoelectric (piezo) methods, a
bimorph based on piezoelectric materials vibrates, creating a
charge that generates a voltage with amplitude proportional to the
size and shape of the piezoelectric material, periodicity, and
amount of force. Thus, the kinetic motion apparatus 600 can include
a piezoelectric transducer element 612 attached to the gastric band
604 that can produce power proportional to the displacement and
periodicity of band movement. This energy can then be stored in the
accumulation element 606 until needed by the implantable
restriction device. A person skilled in the art will appreciate
that similar use can be made of electro-active polymer elements
attached to the gastric band.
[0041] The internal devices disclosed herein are designed to be
single use devices. The external devices disclosed herein can be
designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be
designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the
device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use.
Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of
disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of
particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the
device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces
or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in
any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular
parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a
reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to
a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for
disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such
techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within
the scope of the present application. The implantable devices
disclosed herein are designed for single patient use.
[0042] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and
advantages of the invention based on the above-described
embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by
what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated
by the appended claims. All publications and references cited
herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
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